Taking toddlers and preschoolers to the Disneyland Resort just makes sense, since they are a prime age to enjoy the vibrant wonder of the Magic Kingdom. But toddlers are finicky little people; they have big ideas and even bigger opinions on what they like, what they hate, where they want to go and how fast they want to get there. As a mother of three and a Disneyland Resort expert, I have had my fair share of difficult Disney days with toddlers, but far more really wonderful ones. Being “in the know” is the key to surviving – and thoroughly enjoying – the Disneyland Resort with a squirmy, excited tot. Preparing ahead of time can make the day a lot more enjoyable for the entire family. Here are a few tips to make things go smoothly: The basics

• Drinks, snacks and toddler meals from home are essential to making the wait for attractions and shows easier on the entire family. They are also very helpful on busy days when there may be long lines for food.

• Don’t ditch the stroller, even if your child doesn’t normally use one. A day at the Disneyland Resort can be a long, exhausting one, and the stroller can not only serve as a place for your toddler (or preschooler) to get in a quick nap, it also serves as your family’s base camp for the day and provides a place to store all of the necessities that have been brought along to keep the family comfortable.

• Pack overnight diapers and Pull-Ups for the daytime. In the excitement and rush of a day at the Disneyland Resort, it’s easy to forget about the all-important diaper changes. Using overnight diapers alleviates the stress of having to keep to a strict diaper-changing schedule and lets families have fun “by the seat of their pants.”

• Know ahead of time that not all kids love the Disney characters. Some kids will rejoice the first time they wrap their arms around Mickey Mouse, and some will scream in horror at the sight of him. If your child is the former, be sure to pick up an entertainment schedule when entering the park to find your tot’s favorite characters, or ask a cast member.

NAVIGATE LIKE A PRO

• The Baby Care Centers are your family’s home away from home while in the parks. One is on Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland, and the other is in the Pacific Wharf area at Disney California Adventure. Each provides families a place to comfortably change diapers, heat up baby food and toddler meals, fill baby bottles with filtered water, and give the children potty breaks.

• Safety. One of the toughest aspects of taking a toddler or preschooler to the Disneyland Resort is managing Mom and Dad’s desire to keep tots, who often want to run free, safe in their stroller so they don’t bolt or get stepped on while navigating the crowds. The Disneyland Resort provides children of all ages with a number of incredible opportunities to safely climb, learn, explore and use their imaginations. These resources are often forgotten when families focus on rides and shows.

Toddlers and preschoolers can safely get their wiggles out while exploring and having fun in Disneyland’s Innoventions building in Tomorrowland; Goofy’s Playhouse, Mickey’s House and Minnie’s House in Toontown; and Pirates’ Lair on Tom Sawyer Island in Frontierland. In Disney California Adventure, children can splash and have fun in Princess Dot’s Puddle Park (don’t forget to bring a change of shoes, since bare feet are a no-no) and run and play in the lobby of the Disney Animation Building in Hollywood Land and the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Grizzly Peak.

• Options. Families are often concerned about the number of attractions they will be able to enjoy. The good news is that young children, even babies, can experience almost every attraction in the resort, with the exception of those with height requirements, which are typically high-speed or turbulent (and are also not appropriate for expectant mothers). With more than 40 attractions that do not have height requirements or restrictions, the resort offer plenty of adventures to keep a family busy.

THE BEST ATTRACTIONS FOR YOUNGSTERS

While toddlers and preschoolers love almost all of them, some are particularly appealing due to their music and theming. These attractions are not to be missed, so be sure to check which might be closed for refurbishment while planning your visit.

Disneyland

• “It’s a Small World”

• King Arthur Carousel

• The Disneyland Railroad

• Dumbo the Flying Elephant

• Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters

Disney California Adventure

• Turtle Talk with Crush

• King Triton’s Carousel

• Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train

• Ariel’s Under Sea Adventure

• Monsters Inc. Mike & Sully to the Rescue

BEST PLACES TO EAT IN DISNEYLAND

The Hungry Bear Restaurant is a quick-serve eatery in Critter Country, near the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and Splash Mountain. There are many benefits for families eating here. The Hungry Bear rarely has a long line for the hamburgers, sandwiches, salads and kids’ meals it serves, and there is always ample seating in this two-story restaurant nestled along the beautiful Rivers of America.

My favorite place to eat is downstairs, where the kids can feed the ducks and watch ships and canoes go by while Mom and Dad take a well-deserved break in the shade away from the hustle and bustle of the resort. Also downstairs is a very large restroom facility with two changing stations.

BEST PLACES TO EAT IN CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE

Families can’t beat dining at Flo’s V8 Café, which features indoor and outdoor dining with a view of the Cadillac Mountain Range, the backdrop for the Radiator Springs Racers attraction. This quick-serve restaurant offers comfort food such as turkey dinners and features a spacious restroom facility.

Lisa Robertson is a mother of three and the author of the book “Babes In Disneyland: The Ultimate Disneyland Resort Guide for Families With Young Children.” She also provides tips for taking young children to the Disney Resort on her blog, BabesInDisneyland.com.

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